The best events to add to your diary in Cornwall this summer

From glorious golden sands to a thriving heritage, there isn’t much that Cornwall doesn’t have to offer the avid adventurer – but the fun doesn’t stop there.  

With a packed calendar throughout the year, this beautiful county is bustling with things to do to keep you entertained, rain or shine.  

And, whether it’s sampling the local cuisine at some of our famed food festivals, or watching actors grace a starlit stage at one of the UK’s most iconic outdoor theatres, there’s a little something for everyone. 

Paul Ainsworth’s Travelling Feast (food and music festival) 

When: 6th – 20th August 

Where: Various  

Distance: Depending on chosen location 

Join some of the nation’s most celebrated chefs at this brand-new foodie festival, hosted by Cornwall’s very own Michelin Star winner Paul Ainsworth.  

From an impressive food truck line-up (harnessing the best local produce) to the iconic British artists gracing the music stage, eat, drink and dance the weekend away under the summer sun.  

Spanning three weekends in August, the event will take place at a different location each week, all within easy driving distance of The Plume of Feathers. 

 Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta 

This event has been cancelled for 2021.

When: 17th – 19th August 

Where: Falmouth  

Distance: 35 mins by car 

Step back in time as the historic port of Falmouth gets ready to host the Tall Ships Regatta in August 2021. With entertainment and events taking place over three days, this is the perfect opportunity to see these stunning ships up close, before they embark on the race to Spain. 

Don’t miss the big day on the 19th, when you can take in the spectacle of the iconic tall ships making the ‘Parade of Sail’ before the race begins. 

Cornwall Wildlife Trust Open Gardens 

When: June – September 

Where: Various  

Distance: Depending on chosen location 

Lose yourself in some of Cornwall’s most beautiful wild gardens this summer, courtesy of Cornwall Wildlife Trust.  

On various Sundays from June to September, a different garden will be open to the public to help people connect with nature and raise funds for this vital conservation charity.  

Feast on home-baked cakes while you wander, or steal inspiration on how just a few simple changes in your own garden could support the wildlife in your area.  

To find out where to visit on your stay, click here. 

All you need? A pair of binoculars, a fresh crab sandwich and a good viewing spot. 

You can find more information about the schedule of events here. 

Rock Oyster Festival 

When: 30th July – 1st August 

Where: Rock (nr Padstow)  

Distance: 35 mins by car 

Head to the banks of the Camel Estuary for a taste of Cornwall’s mouth-watering seafood offering, with alfresco dining, open fire cooking and food demos to boot. 

A hugely acclaimed event on Cornwall’s foodie calendar, the Rock Oyster Festival runs for three days, with a jam-packed programme of food, music and entertainment – so you’ll never get bored. 

To find out more and book your tickets, click here. 

Tour of Britain cycle race 

When: 5th September 

Where: Starting in Penzance 

Distance: 45 mins by car 

In a historic milestone, Cornwall will hold the Tour of Britain cycle race for the first time this September, making it an event not to be missed.  

Kicking off in Penzance on the 5th, the Grand Depart will see cyclists ride 170km through the county’s stunning countryside, starting in Penzance and ending in Bodmin. 

Follow the journey as they head through some of Cornwall’s most beautiful towns and villages, including St Just, St Ives, Hayle, Falmouth and the close-by town of Newquay. 

Watergate Sprint 

When: 18th – 19th September 

Where: Watergate Bay, nr Newquay 

Distance: 15 mins by car 

Perfect for the avid car enthusiast, the Watergate Sprint is back for 2021 for an exciting two-day event.  

With a new format, the sprint will see competitors take on a unique closed-road challenge on the jaw-dropping coast road between Newquay and Padstow.  

You can check out the action and plan your day here.  

Stay at Lewinnick Lodge

Book your next stay, wake up and enjoy breakfast on the terrace before starting your day of Cornish adventuring.